Our Trip East ...

Heading to the "East" used to more than likely refer to Asia for our family.  These days, it means the East Coast of the good old U.S. of A!  After 10 years of living in the Eastern Hemisphere we have now been back in the States for almost a full year.  Time sure does fly!

Cory and I had been talking about visiting WV during October so that I could finally introduce him to my favorite time of year - the Forest Festival!  I don't know the last time I got to go, but as a kid our family went just about every year.  It was kind of a family reunion time as well as a week + of fun festivities to attend.  The trees usually are around their peak for the Fall season which always adds such an awesome element to the event, in my opinion.  My plan to finally take Cory to witness all of the great aspects of the Forest Festival was thwarted ... by baby #2!  How could I complain?!?!  

Needless to say, plans to travel in October were cancelled as this new little Dyck is due the end of that month!  Instead we decided to travel this summer.  Cory is doing a lot of business travel and my sister in law (Josh's wife) is due in July.  It just so happens I got to throw her a baby shower, so the timing actually worked out just right!  Esther and I stayed for 3 1/2 weeks and Cory came in the middle for a week long visit.

Esther got her first official 4 wheeler ride!  Grandma Larkin and I were supposed to go while I was in but the weather just never cooperated with us on the right day.  Next time, Grandma!

Esther warmed up to Gig and Grandpa VERY easily!  They came and visited us in March but I was concerned that it had been too long for her to really remember them.  When Grandpa picked us up at the airport she took his hand and walked out to the parking lot with him like she knew exactly who he was!  How sweet! 

She also learned a thing or two from Grandpa ...

While in WV we also got to spend some time with Aunt Mandi and Uncle Josh!  Esther LOVED eating watermelon at her house, but unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of her WITH them!  Here is one taken by my Aunt Anita of the expecting parents/aunt & uncle.